Travis Perry, a 6-foot-2 combo guard from Eddyville, Kentucky, has made headlines in the college basketball world following his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal after a single season with the Kentucky Wildcats. This move has sparked interest from several programs, including the Iowa Hawkeyes.
High School Legacy
Before joining Kentucky, Perry was a standout at Lyon County High School, where he became the all-time leading scorer in Kentucky high school basketball history, amassing 5,481 points over his career. He also led his team to a state championship in 2024 and was named the Sweet 16 MVP . His impressive high school career earned him the title of Mr. Kentucky Basketball in 2024.
Freshman Year at Kentucky
Perry’s freshman season with the Wildcats was marked by limited playing time. He averaged 2.7 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 9.8 minutes per game across 31 appearances, including four starts. Notably, he scored a season-high 12 points against Alabama . However, with the influx of transfer guards at Kentucky, Perry opted to enter the transfer portal, seeking more playing time and a better fit for his skills.
Interest from Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes have expressed interest in Perry, recognizing his potential to fit into their fast-paced, high-scoring system. Head coach Fran McCaffery and assistant coach Sherman Dillard have both reached out to Perry, emphasizing how his basketball IQ and skill set align with Iowa’s style of play . Perry has shown enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the Hawkeyes, appreciating their approach to the game and the opportunity to play in a system similar to what he experienced in high school.
Other Programs Showing Interest
In addition to Iowa, several other programs have shown interest in Perry. Schools such as Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisville, Ole Miss, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Missouri, LSU, Western Kentucky, and South Carolina have all reportedly reached out to him . His recruitment is expected to intensify as he evaluates his options for the next phase of his collegiate basketball career.
Looking Ahead
As Perry navigates the transfer portal, his decision will be influenced by factors such as playing time, coaching staff, team dynamics, and the overall fit with a program’s system. The Iowa Hawkeyes present an appealing option with their up-tempo style and emphasis on player development. However, with multiple programs vying for his talents, Perry’s recruitment is far from over. His next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see where this Kentucky high school legend continues his basketball journey.
Travis Perry’s entry into the transfer portal marks a significant moment in his basketball career. While his time at Kentucky was brief, his high school achievements and potential have made him a sought-after prospect. The Iowa Hawkeyes, among other programs, are keenly interested in bringing him aboard, recognizing the value he could add to their team. As Perry considers his options, the next chapter in his basketball journey promises to be an exciting one.
